the american veterinary dental society estimates that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have gum disease by
3 YEARS OF AGE.
The good news is, you can prevent it with at-home dental care and annual professional cleanings here at Broomfield Veterinary Hospital.
or call us at (303) 466-1764.
Since dogs and cats can’t brush their own teeth like humans can, it’s easy to overlook your pet’s oral care, but it’s actually just as important as their overall health. If neglected, your pet can develop potentially serious oral infections. They may even lose their permanent teeth, due to decay. That’s why we recommend professional cleanings at least once a year.
About the Dental Exam
There are many different ways to check and see if your pet may be having dental issues, but there are also signs that may not be as visible. This is why veterinarians recommend having your pet’s teeth checked annually. Here are some things to keep an eye (or nose) out for:
- Bad breath
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
- Swelling or bleeding around the gums
- Discolored teeth
If your pet seems to be drooling or chewing excessively, has a reduced appetite, or seems to have difficulty chewing, let us know, as these may also be signs of dental problems.
About the Dental Cleaning
We want your pet to have healthy teeth and gums, just like you do, so we clean the teeth above and below the gum line using advanced, safe equipment. All dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia for your pet’s safety and comfort. We also take X-rays of every patient prior to each cleaning to view the areas of the jaw bones, which allows us to complete a full evaluation of the mouth. X-rays also help us detect certain diseases that can’t be detected above the gum line.
After the cleaning, we’ll polish your pet’s teeth to help resistant against plaque accumulation. We can also extract any teeth, if necessary. Feel free to ask us any questions you have about how to keep your pet’s teeth clean at home.
At-Home Dental Care for Pets
In between your pet’s annual exams and cleanings, we recommend any of the following to maintain their oral health:
- Brush your pet’s teeth at home using a toothpaste that’s appropriate for their species.
- Give your pet dental treats.
- Add dental powder to your pet’s meals.
- Give your pet a prescription dental food.
- Give them chew toys made to scrape plaque off teeth.
We’ll be glad to discuss these tips in more detail at your next visit to Broomfield Veterinary Hospital.
